Quick Hits: Young, Cook, Dodgers, Cashman, Beltran

It was on this day in 1956 that Frank Robinson hit his first Major League home run, en route to 586 career homers and a legacy as one of baseball's all-time greats. Today, the Orioles are honoring Robinson with a statue at Camden Yards that will be unveiled before tonight's game with the A's.

Former Expos/Nationals closer Chad Cordero told reporters, including Bill Ladson of MLB.com, that he'd like to make a comeback next season (Twitter link).

Delmon Young could be activated from the Tigers' restricted list by Tuesday or possibly even Monday night depending on the outcome of his evaluation by a counselor on Monday, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told reporters, including Chris Iott of MLive.com. If Young is judged to require treatment for anger management and/or alcohol abuse, however, he would be sidelined for an indeterminate amount of time.

Bobby Valentine told reporters (including WEEI.com's Rob Bradford) that the Red Sox are considering using Aaron Cook as a reliever. Cook can opt out of his contract if he is not called up to Boston's Major League roster by May 1 and the Sox have no clear spot for Cook in the rotation. Cook has made just one relief appearance in the last eight seasons but recently said he's open to the idea.

There's no language in Cook's contract that would preclude a trade, notes Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal, although he adds there's no reason to think the Red Sox would want to do that (via Twitter).

Besides the Cardinals, Carlos Beltran said the Indians pursued him the hardest in the offseason, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal (via Twitter). Beltran said he ultimately chose to sign with St. Louis because he wanted to play for the World Series champions and remain in the National League.

He didn’t say he was wrong in making the trade. He said it is “a massive decision gone wrong right now”. Very different meaning. If the doctors didn’t find anything wrong with Pineda’s shoulder how was Cashman suppose to know not to make the trade?

Good to see that Frank Robinson is finally being honored by the Orioles. As a Yankees fan growing up, I can recall how Robinson and the Birds terrorrized my Yankees teams continually for years. Robinson was a true Superstar who could do everything on the ballfield, and do it exceedingly well.
Sadly for him, steriod use by the younger generation of players and the growth of fans falling in love with power stats have diminished his accomplishments. He has become one the most under-rated HOF’ers ever. Those of us that had the pleasure of seeing him play are happy that he is still being remembered.